Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher

About the role

Vylor is seeking a Molecular Plant Pathologist Postdoctoral Researcher to elucidate the mode of action of a set of nematode resistance genes. The successful candidate will be a proactive scientist with strong technical problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills. In this role, you will generate, integrate, and interpret omics, protein–protein interaction, phenotyping, and other biological datasets into a mechanistic model of how specific nematode resistance genes function at the molecular level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mechanistic characterization of a set of nematode resistance genes, functioning as the project lead, owning timelines, resources, and deliverables.
• Analyze and interpret omics datasets, including single-nucleus RNA-Seq and bulk RNA-Seq, to map core soybean resistance pathways.
• Design, conduct and analyze host–nematode and host–host protein–protein interaction studies using techniques such as yeast two-hybrid, co-immunoprecipitation, proximity labeling, and split luciferase assays.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaborations across Genomics, Disease Assays, and Microscopy teams, and partner with molecular biologists, biochemists, field researchers, and data scientists to integrate findings into a unified mode of action model.
• Communicate results through detailed reports, internal presentations, scientific conferences, and peer-reviewed publications.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry or molecular plant pathology.
• Experience and a good understanding of plant immunity, plant-pathogen interactions, effector biology and/or host resistance-gene characterization.
• Track record of scientific productivity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with plant-nematode systems, particularly soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.).
• Experience in the analysis and interpretation of biological datasets, including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics or other omics data.
• Experience with confocal or advanced microscopy and image analysis.

Skills

• Independent, self-directed project ownership and problem-solving.
• Strong organizational and timeline skills.
• Effective cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Curiosity, scientific rigor, and adaptability in a dynamic R&D environment.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Corteva announced plans to separate its advanced seed and genetics business to establish a standalone company, Vylor, Inc. The separation is anticipated to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to legal requirements and board approval. Should you accept this position, it is anticipated that following the separation, you would become an employee of Vylor, Inc., governed by its employment processes, programs, policies, and benefit plans. Details of any planned changes would be provided at an appropriate time.